Vote of Confidence in Steve Israel on House Races

Democrats’ choice of Rep. Steve Israel of New York to continue as campaign chief for the party’s House races marks a vote of confidence that comes despite the party’s failure to retake the House.

Mr. Israel, who will extend his term as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, had strong support from Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.), and many Democrats see Mr. Israel as having done a good job. House Democrats this year retook seven or eight House seats, depending on the outcome of a handful of unresolved races.

Mr. Israel spoke often during the campaign of a “drive for 25” seats—the number Democrats needed to win back the majority—and privately, Democrats said they expected to win 12-15 seats.

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